Demonetisation, Covid-19, and LPG crisis cripple small livelihoods in Upper Assam

A series of economic disruptions ranging from demonetisation and the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing LPG shortage linked to tensions in West Asia has severely impacted small rural entrepreneurs across Upper Assam, leaving many struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

In towns and villages across districts such as Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Dhemaji, roadside food vendors and petty traders say the latest shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has become the most severe challenge yet, disrupting daily business and household finances.

One such affected resident is Shravan Tanti of Doomdooma in Tinsukia district. His small pakoda stall at Beesakopie, once the primary source of income for his family, has remained shut for months due to the unavailability of commercial LPG cylinders.

Sitting outside his home, Tanti described the growing hardship faced by his family. “My daughter is pursuing her graduation, and I do not know how to manage her education and our household expenses now,” he said.

He added that previous crises had already weakened families dependent on informal work. “We somehow managed through demonetisation and survived the COVID-19 crisis, but this LPG shortage has dealt the hardest blow. It has broken us financially,” he said.

Across Upper Assam, many tea stall owners, snack vendors and small eateries rely heavily on LPG for daily operations. With supplies irregular and costs rising, several have been forced to cut production, reduce portion sizes or temporarily shut their businesses altogether.

Although authorities have denied any official shortage, vendors allege that new distribution norms and transportation bottlenecks have made cylinders harder to access in interior and rural areas. Many say they are now unable to secure regular refills needed to keep their businesses running.

The crisis has added fresh pressure to an already fragile rural economy where many households depend on self-employment and small daily earnings. For families with students, medical needs or loan repayments, the disruption has created additional anxiety.

With no immediate resolution visible, affected residents are urging the government to intervene quickly, streamline LPG supply chains and ensure uninterrupted access to essential fuel so that small businesses can resume operations and regain stability.